Concern is mounting in Knox County as local health officials report a significant uptick in cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. According to WVLT, the Knox County Health Department has seen whooping cough infections rise to more than five times the typical annual numbers. Echoing a troublesome nationwide trend, the surge is predominantly impacting unvaccinated children.

Dr. Megan Edwards, KCHD Public Health Officer, emphasized the risks for the youngest and most vulnerable, saying, "Infants are most at risk for severe disease, which is why it’s so important that the rest of us do everything we can to protect them". Loading the risks, children who aren't vaccinated are reportedly eight times more likely to contract the disease, according to WATE.

Characterized by its name-sake severe coughing and a distinctive "whooping" sound, whooping cough can also prompt vomiting in children. According to KCHD, as noted by WBIR, infants may cease breathing in rare cases. The disease spreads through close contact, much like the flu, posing a high risk of contagion amongst those unvaccinated.

Despite the treatability of pertussis with antibiotics, prevention remains the cornerstone of the health department's strategy against it. "Although pertussis infections can be treated with antibiotics, the most effective treatment is prevention", Dr. Edwards stated as per WVLT. Administered safely for generations, the vaccine is the recommended course of action with appointments available at KCHD by calling 865-215-5555.